The position of women in Saudi Arabia is heavily influenced by Islamic and local traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as national and local laws. While there have been some recent reforms, women in Saudi Arabia still experience discrimination in relation to marriage, family, and divorce. Here are some key points about the position of women in Saudi Arabia:
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Guardianship System: For many decades, women of all ages were required to have a male guardian (normally a husband, brother, uncle, or son) who had the power to make important legal, economic, and social decisions on her behalf. However, in August 2019, Saudi Arabia passed a law that allows women over the age of 21 to obtain passports and travel abroad without the permission of a male guardian.
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Marriage and Divorce: Once married, a Saudi woman must obey her husband and may not "withhold herself" from him. Women in Saudi Arabia also face difficulties in obtaining a divorce, as they must provide evidence of abuse or harm.
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Driving: In 2018, the government repealed a ban that prohibited females from driving.
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Workforce: According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, Saudi women constitute 33.2% of the native workforce as of 2020. The rate of participation has grown from 14% in 1990 to 33.2% in 2020. However, women still face challenges in the workforce, such as gender segregation and unequal pay.
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Political Representation: As of October 2017, women make up 20% of the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia.
Overall, while there have been some recent reforms in Saudi Arabia, women still face significant challenges and discrimination in various aspects of their lives.